Now see to your girths if you mean to be there. Old Tom looks like business; his hand's in the air. A whimper--a chorus--hark, holloa! they've found, And his old mare pops over the rails with a bound. Away fling that weed, catch your horse by the head, He's young, and he's hot, but he's clean thoroughbred; Don't rush at the timber or else you'll be down. Let him see what's before him--he'll jump o'er a town. They are over the brook, which is bankful, I swear; See, yonder they go with their sterns in the air. There's young Flyaway in, and, by Jove, what a cropper! Ah, the others won't have it--I thought 'twas a stopper. Thank goodness, they're checked by that herd of Scotch kine. But, hark for'ard, old Minstrel has hit off the line. There'll be "bellows to mend" if this goes on, I fear, For the pace is too hot for the first of the year. Down the meadow--they view--see the hounds how they tear! They have him! Who-whoop! And the field are all--where? Here we come. Scarce a coat but betokens a fall, But who-whoop! what a cracker to open the ball! MORAL. Fox-hunting and fellowship go hand in hand, And a true sporting mind by a friend's sure to stand; So let each drain a bumper nor think it high treason To follow The Queen with "The First of the Season." The bond of good feeling is found in the field; As the Squire meets the Farmer the compact is sealed. And each vows, as the moments flit merrily by, The world has no music like hounds in full cry. UNCLE JOHN'S NEW HORSE. A letter I found on my table, addressed to Edward Milford, Esq., Duke Street, St. James's, which, being my name and address, I took the liberty of opening, reminded me of the fact that I was engaged to my uncle for the Christmas holidays. It ran as follows: "The Grange, Slopton. "MY BOY, "You are booked to us for Christmas, so don't fail. It is to be ten days this time, and no telegram 'on important business' to call you away, as, if I remember right, was the case on your last visit. There are many attractions here, or will be by the time you arrive. First, myself; secondly, a new horse, which you will have the pleasure of trying for me; and, thirdly, your cousin Grace. There are a few pheasants, and, besides, some of the old port. You will find a hearty welcome from your affectionate "UNCLE JOHN."